Latest news with #E-waste(Management)Rules
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
E-waste initiative launched in Hyderabad to tackle hazardous waste from IT sector, urbanisation
Representative Image (AI-generated) A CSR initiative called "E-waste Initiative" has been launched in Hyderabad in collaboration with distinguished organizations that aims to protect the environment and foster social responsibility in order to tackle one of the major challenges: e-waste generation. Electronic waste (e-waste) is a generic term used to describe discarded electrical or electronic devices. It includes gadgets like smartphones and laptops, as well as electrical appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. E-waste poses a serious threat to both the environment and public health, requiring immediate action. The mission of this campaign is to educate and engage every sector of society—residential communities, offices, retail markets and educational institutions. Experts predict that the amount of e-waste could double by 2050, posing a significant threat to the environment. If not recycled properly, it can also cause health hazards. However, a shift towards a circular economy, where resources are recovered and reused, could revolutionize e-waste management. Moreover, manufacturers are starting to design electronics for easier repair and disassembly, potentially extending product lifespans and reducing waste. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo The Government of India has established comprehensive regulations for e-waste management, primarily through the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which aim to address the growing challenge of electronic waste and streamline the processes for handling it responsibly. E-waste management in Hyderabad: Hyderabad, being a major IT hub, has seen a massive increase in e-waste generation due to rapid urbanization. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has initiated a Centre of Excellence on E-Waste Recycling at C-MET, Hyderabad, to foster research, innovation and best practices in e-waste management. The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) has enacted the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2018 to regulate the handling of electronic waste, promoting responsible management and reducing environmental harm, with a vision to achieve economic growth alongside environmental protection for an improved quality of life.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India's rising e-waste, the need to recast its management
India's journey toward Viksit Bharat is being powered by a rapid digital transformation, with an increasing reliance on electronic devices. From smartphones and laptops to advanced industrial and medical equipment, technology has become the backbone of economic growth, connectivity and innovation. However, this growing dependence on electronic devices has a by-product — electronic waste (e-waste) — which must be managed effectively to ensure sustainable progress. Ranking among the world's top e-waste generators (China, the United States, Japan, and Germany) India confronts a formidable challenge of managing e-waste. India's e-waste volumes soared by 151.03% in six years, from 7,08,445 metric tonnes in 2017-18 to 17,78,400 metric tonnes in 2023-24, with an annual increase of 1,69,283 metric tonnes. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates producers, importers and brand owners to manage waste from their products' end-of-life. It holds them accountable for environmental impacts throughout the product lifecycle, promotes sustainable design, integrates environmental costs into pricing, and supports efficient waste management, reducing the burden on municipalities. Impact of improper e-waste management The consequences of improper e-waste management extend beyond environmental degradation. India loses more than $10 billion annually due to water pollution from the disposal of cyanide and sulphuric acid solutions, air pollution caused by lead fumes, open coal burning, and plastic incineration, and soil pollution. Beyond the environmental impact, improper e-waste recycling causes a social loss of over $20 billion annually, as most of the hazardous processing is conducted by informal, illegal recyclers (women and children comprise the majority workforce). Tragically, their average lifespan is less than 27 years due to prolonged exposure to toxic substances. Additionally, India forfeits over ₹80,000 crore annually in lost critical metal value due to rudimentary extraction methods in informal recycling. In addition, at least $20 billion in annual tax revenue is lost as informal recycling is largely cash-based and unaccounted for. Importance of stable pricing The E-waste (Management) Rules, 2022 introduced a floor price for EPR certificates, a game-changer for India's e-waste management. This provision ensures fair returns for registered recyclers, curbing informal, hazardous recycling (practices that dominate 95% of the sector). Without a strong floor price, India may miss the chance to lead in sustainable waste management. Stable pricing incentivises formal recyclers to adopt safe, advanced technologies, unlocking e-waste's valuable materials such as gold and copper. It prevents chaos seen in sectors such as plastic waste and drives investment in infrastructure, turning e-waste into a resource and supporting a circular economy. This economic pivot carries profound environmental benefits. Fair compensation motivates recyclers to prioritise material recovery over disposal, shrinking landfill burdens and halting the seepage of toxins such as lead and mercury into soil and waterways. It recasts e-waste as an asset rather than as a liability, redefining India's waste narrative toward sustainability. Globally, EPR fees paid by original equipment manufacturers are significantly higher than the floor EPR prices fixed by the Government of India, in alignment with global best practices. The minor impact of floor EPR prices on product costs is outweighed by the significant environmental and social benefits of formal recycling and sustainable practices. An effective floor price levels the playing field by offsetting the informal sector's cost advantage. It makes formal recycling viable, reduces waste leakage, and ensures more responsible processing. This not only corrects market imbalances but also drives compliance, helping producers meet EPR targets through certified recyclers. When recyclers are adequately paid, they can expand operations, deliver verifiable outcomes, and reduce producers' incentives to bypass obligations. In a country where only 10% of e-waste reaches formal recycling, this stability is a game-changer. Without it, certificate prices could collapse, starving recyclers of funds and exposing producers to unpredictable costs, destabilising EPR markets. A predictable pricing framework fosters trust, ensuring the system doesn't erode into a free-for-all. Critics argue that a floor price hikes producer costs, potentially raising consumer prices. This concern, while valid, misses the broader calculus. The cost of inaction — environmental ruin, health crises and lost resources — dwarfs the modest burden of fair pricing. Producers can offset expenses by innovating durable, recyclable designs, which is a core EPR goal. The plastic industry's misstep with low prices, which spawned sham recyclers and eroded trust, underscores the peril of under-pricing. Far from stifling progress, a floor price could surge innovation, rewarding efficiency and technological breakthroughs. India's e-waste crisis demands audacious solutions, aligning with economic and ecological imperatives. Need for a recycling vision The stakes of EPR floor pricing transcend financial concerns. Inadequate pricing imperils more than profits. It endangers rivers with pollution, soils and agriculture produce with harmful ingredients, damages communities with toxic exposure, and squanders valuable potential. By valuing recycling efforts, India can formalise its e-waste sector, spur advanced infrastructure, and champion resource efficiency, ensuring responsible practices. As India vies for sustainability leadership, this floor price is the bedrock of its recycling vision — a bold move to transform e-waste into opportunity, setting a global standard. The numbers demand action: a 73% e-waste surge in five years is a clarion call. With an adequate floor price, economic vitality and environmental care can coexist, securing the future with sustainability. Dhanendra Kumar was India's Executive Director at the World Bank, Secretary to the Government of India and the first Chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). He is currently Chairman, Competition Advisory Services India LLP (COMPAD)
